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Asthma is a chronic, life-long disease of the bronchial tubes that carry air into and out of our lungs. There are two main components to this disease: 1) inflammation (swelling & mucous) in the tissue that lines the airways and 2) spasms of the muscles that surround the airways (bronchospasm).
Asthma is a chronic, life-long disease of the bronchial tubes that carry air into and out of our lungs. There are two main components to this disease: 1) inflammation (swelling & mucous) in the tissue that lines the airways and 2) spasms of the muscles that surround the airways (bronchospasm).
Some children with asthma have fewer and fewer symptoms as they grow- this is partly due to the fact that our airways grow as we grow! Bigger airways with larger diameters may not become as narrow and "tight" from swelling or bronchospasm so a person may not notice as much coughing or difficulty with breathing. For others, the symptoms of cough, wheeze and difficulty breathing may not change at all.
Some children with asthma have fewer and fewer symptoms as they grow- this is partly due to the fact that our airways grow as we grow! Bigger airways with larger diameters may not become as narrow and "tight" from swelling or bronchospasm so a person may not notice as much coughing or difficulty with breathing. For others, the symptoms of cough, wheeze and difficulty breathing may not change at all.
The treatment for asthma may have two main components that match the two main features of the disease: 1) a steroid medication (usually an inhaler) that is taken every day to reduce inflammation and 2) an emergency albuterol inhaler (or nebulizer) that is taken as needed for a bronchospasm (an asthma attack) or taken on a schedule for a period of days symptoms worsen.
The treatment for asthma may have two main components that match the two main features of the disease: 1) a steroid medication (usually an inhaler) that is taken every day to reduce inflammation and 2) an emergency albuterol inhaler (or nebulizer) that is taken as needed for a bronchospasm (an asthma attack) or taken on a schedule for a period of days symptoms worsen.
Since different children have different triggers that may cause an asthma attack such as exercise, cold air, upper respiratory infections (colds), allergies, or strong smells AND different children may taked their rescue inhaler for different situations (such as before gym/ recess or only if feeling symptoms) the best way to plan for Asthma management at school is with an individual Asthma Action Plan!
Since different children have different triggers that may cause an asthma attack such as exercise, cold air, upper respiratory infections (colds), allergies, or strong smells AND different children may taked their rescue inhaler for different situations (such as before gym/ recess or only if feeling symptoms) the best way to plan for Asthma management at school is with an individual Asthma Action Plan!
Let's make a plan to manage your child's Asthma at school!
Let's make a plan to manage your child's Asthma at school!
asthma-action-plan-for-home.pdf.pdfStep ONE: Please contact me by phone at 603-436-2231 ext 1003 or email sgagne@sau52.org to discuss your child's needs.
Step TWO: Print & complete a Release of Information (or request one to be mailed/ sent home) to give permission to communicate and coordinate with your child's health care provider (I can fax required form directly to your child's health care provider from my office and you can sign it when you bring medication).
Step THREE: Print the preferred district Asthma Action Plan (linked to the image above) and take it to your child's health care provider. The healthcare provider should complete the form and you, the parent/ guardian, should sign it prior to returning it to the school nurse.
Step FOUR: Bring a supply of medication to me at school. Prescription medications must be in a pharmacy labeled container with the prescription label intact.
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